[198] "What do you think, Anuruddhas? Seeing what benefit does the Tathāgata, when disciples have passed away and completed their time, declare their rebirths thus: 'So-and-so has been reborn in such a place; so-and-so has been reborn in such a place'?"
"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One, have the Blessed One as their guide, have the Blessed One as their recourse. It would be good indeed, venerable sir, if the meaning of this statement might occur to the Blessed One himself; having heard it from the Blessed One, the bhikkhus will bear it in mind."
"Anuruddhas, it is not for the purpose of deceiving people, not for the purpose of cajoling people, not for the sake of the benefits of gain, honor, and renown, nor with the thought, 'Thus may people know me,' that the Tathāgata, when disciples have passed away and completed their time, declares their rebirths thus: 'So-and-so has been reborn in such a place; so-and-so has been reborn in such a place.' Rather, Anuruddhas, there are clansmen endowed with faith, of lofty inspiration, of lofty gladness; having heard that, they direct their minds to such a state. That, Anuruddhas, is for their welfare and happiness for a long time."
[The Comfortable Abiding of a Bhikkhu]
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.